Jazz Articles

Teri Roiger: Misterioso

by Tom Pierce
October 4, 2002

Phrases such as “different", “interesting" and “ultra hip" in a review often reflects a less than a positive assessment. However, vocalist Teri Roiger's Misterioso, simply travels a uniquely compelling road than most conventional jazz vocal recordings.

The absence of a piano allows a distinctive framework of masterful support and interaction by her husband John Menegon on bass, Kenny Burrell and Jack DeJohnette, each of whom function in roles far more pervasive harmonically and melodically than most rhythm sections behind singers. ...

Badal Roy - Ken Wessel - Stomu Takeishi: Daybreak

by Glenn Astarita
September 1, 1999

The core of Daybreak features the imaginative teaming of guitarist Ken Wessel, the infamous Indian percussionist Badal Roy both members of Ornette Coleman’s “Prime Time”, and bassist Stomu Takeishi who has performed and toured with Henry Threadgill among others. Besides stints with famous bands, these gentlemen are highly regarded session musicians whom individually, can boast of fairly extensive and impressive resumes. On Daybreak the menu consists of jazz, world music and improvisation as the overall congenial disposition and uplifting groove ...

Frank Kimbrough: Chant

by Glenn Astarita
February 1, 1999

Members of The New York Jazz Collective regroup, this time under the leadership of pianist Frank Kimbrough. Accompanying Kimbrough are: Ben Allison; double bass and Jeff Ballard on drums. Kimbrough is a thinking man’s pianist. His approach and execution is often multicolored, sure-handed and luminous. The opener is Ornette Coleman’s “Feet Music” and oddly enough Kimbrough’s playing is reminiscent of a Junior Mance or a young Ramsey Lewis for that classic integration of funk-blues and jazz. The Trio gets right ...

Paul Wertico Trio: Live In Warsaw

by Ed Kopp
November 1, 1998

If your knowledge of Paul Wertico is limited to his work with the Pat Metheny Group, you might not realize the extent of this man's ability. Live In Warsaw shows another side to a drummer who's better known for his finesse than his quick hands. Recorded one night during a two-week tour of Germany and Poland in October 1994, Live In Warsaw also features the gifted John Moulder on guitar and Eric Hochberg on bass. The three Chicagoans ...

Triceratops: Triceratops

by Joel Roberts
February 1, 1998

Triceratops is a three-horned sextet that takes its name from the three-horned dinosaur. With an alternating front line of saxophones, flutes, clarinets, and trombone, this veteran San Francisco-area band creates warm jazz moods in a variety of genres.

The album's original compositions by Tony Corman (alto / soprano saxophones, flute), Dave Tidball (tenor / soprano saxophones, clarinet), and Laura Klein (piano) are an eclectic mix of modern jazz, ranging from fairly straight-ahead bebop in an Art Blakey mode to more ...